1984 & Animal Farm characters

Appears from the start

A thirty-nine-year-old employee of the Ministry of Truth who rewrites old records for the ruling Party. Frail, observant, and inwardly repelled by the world around him, he begins a forbidden diary even though he knows that private dissent can bring death.

Appears from the start

The black-mustached face displayed throughout Oceania as the watchful leader of the Party. Whether encountered on posters or telescreens, his image represents the authority that demands constant loyalty and observes every citizen.

Appears from the start

A powerful Inner Party official with an intelligent, composed manner. Winston is drawn to him by a momentary impression that O'Brien may share thoughts that cannot safely be spoken.

Also known as the dark-haired girl

Appears from the start

A young woman who works in the Fiction Department and wears the sash of the Junior Anti-Sex League. Winston notices her apparent zeal and suspects that she may be watching him for the Thought Police.

Appears from the start

The figure denounced by Party propaganda as Oceania's chief traitor and the organizer of a secret resistance called the Brotherhood. His face appears during the daily ritual of collective hatred.

First appears in chapter 2

Winston's neighbor and colleague at the Ministry of Truth, notable for his unquestioning enthusiasm for every Party activity. He is especially proud that his children have been trained as vigilant young informers.

First appears in chapter 5

A philologist at the Ministry of Truth who works on the latest Newspeak dictionary. Sharp and talkative, he takes intellectual pleasure in reducing the language so that unapproved ideas will become harder to formulate.

First appears in chapter 8

An elderly dealer who runs a dusty secondhand shop in a prole neighborhood. His old objects, mild manner, and memories of earlier London make the shop seem like a surviving pocket of the past Winston seeks.

First appears in chapter 25

An elderly prize boar whose final speech gives the farm animals a shared explanation for their suffering under human ownership. He urges them to prepare for rebellion and teaches them a song about freedom.

First appears in chapter 25

The neglectful owner of Manor Farm. His drinking and careless management leave the animals hungry and create the conditions in which Old Major's call for rebellion can take hold.

First appears in chapter 25

A huge, powerful cart-horse respected for his labor and steady temperament. Not quick with abstract ideas, he approaches problems through work and is deeply committed to the other animals.

First appears in chapter 25

A strong motherly mare and Boxer's regular companion in farm labor. Patient and concerned for the weaker animals, she sometimes senses that events do not match the principles the animals were promised.

First appears in chapter 25

The farm's oldest donkey, intelligent, skeptical, and sparing with words. He distrusts claims that life will fundamentally improve, but his detachment does not mean that he lacks attachment to his companions.

First appears in chapter 26

A large Berkshire boar who becomes one of the principal organizers after Old Major's death. Quiet and forceful, he is less interested in speeches than in gaining practical control.

First appears in chapter 26

A lively, inventive pig who helps turn Old Major's ideas into the system called Animalism. He is an energetic speaker and proposes ambitious projects for the farm's future.

First appears in chapter 26

A persuasive pig with a gift for making the leadership's decisions sound reasonable. He explains Animalism to the other animals and answers doubts with confident arguments.